We have a health problem in music

Hey, Nikki here.

In the live event industry, people get used to pushing through problems that should have been addressed sooner.

This week I sat down with Theresa Wolters, Executive Director of MusiCares, who leads the organization’s work supporting artists and crew with financial assistance, health care access, mental health resources, and emergency support.

Her perspective was simple and honest: too many people are still carrying the weight of this work alone.

Why this one matters:

This industry runs on freelancers, short-term gigs, and constant uncertainty.

This goes beyond burnout. It’s about whether people can stay healthy, financially stable, and supported enough to keep working in music at all.

Support can’t start once someone is already in crisis. The earlier it shows up, the more it changes outcomes.

Right now, too many people are skipping preventive care, and financial stress is driving more of the pressure than most realize.

#1 Help only works if people can access it

One of the most powerful things I learned is that MusiCares does not just talk about support, they actually remove the biggest barriers to getting it.

They can get people into treatment quickly and often cover the full cost. That matters because when someone is ready, the window is small.

Takeaway: Getting help often comes down to access and timing.

Try this: If you or someone you know is struggling, look into resources now so you are not scrambling later.

#2 Don't call it "part of the job"

This industry has normalized a lot: long hours, constant stress, substance use, and pushing through no matter what. But there is a real difference between what the job demands and someone genuinely not being OK.

A lot of people are struggling quietly, and it gets dismissed as just part of the lifestyle. That is where things start to become dangerous.

Takeaway: Just because something is common does not mean it is healthy or should be ignored.

Try this: Pay attention to patterns, in yourself and in the people around you. If something feels off, do not brush it aside. Address it early.

#3 Most people won't ask for help

Something that stood out is how often help starts because someone else steps in. A friend, a manager, a coworker.

People do not always raise their hand when they are struggling. Sometimes they can't. Sometimes they won't.

Takeaway: Support often starts with someone else noticing.

Try this: If someone comes to mind right now, check in. You do not need the perfect words. Just open the door.

If you want the full conversation, listen to Episode #56 of The Giggs Podcast with Theresa Wolters. SPOTIFY | APPLE | YOUTUBE

— Nikki

P.S. One line I can’t stop thinking about: “If we want to foster, celebrate, and sustain music, we need to take care of the people who bring it to life.” Any industry that depends this heavily on freelance labor needs real support systems, not just appreciation.